How following a daily routine can help manage emotional well-being
Vivian Cheng at her home in West Kowloon. Cheng suffers from depression but finds a healthy daily routine helps her manage her symptoms.
South China Morning Post
In 2011, Vivian Cheng was diagnosed with depression after the collapse of a long-term relationship. Since then, she has been regularly seeing both a psychologist and a psychiatrist, and taking antidepressant medication.
The Hongkonger, who is in her 40s, also joined a support group for people with depression and says that their meetings have been instrumental in her recovery. "I learnt a lot about this complex and misunderstood condition, including the fact that it's a mental illness and that it's normal," she says. "Being in that healing, non-judgmental space also taught me how others deal with their symptoms. Knowing that there are others like me reassures me that I'm not alone in this struggle."
Following a routine has also helped Cheng manage her emotional well-being. She says that making certain activities central to her daily life keeps her feeling grounded and more positive about her future.
How To Identify And Deal With Depression
It is normal to feel sad when we lose a loved one, fail an exam, or even end a relationship.
However, when feelings of sadness is prolonged and affects our daily lives, it is symptomatic of depression.
Other signs of depression include:
- A loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Weight loss or weight gain; or decrease or increase in appetite
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; or sleeping excessively
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Feeling tired and lacking the energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or having trouble thinking
- Frequent thoughts of death or suicide
